IAQ Tools for Improving School Performance

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is ranked within the top 5 environmental risks
to public health according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Studies show a healthy breathing environment leads to improved performance
and less absenteeism for both students and teachers.

According to the
MN State Health Department, "Nearly 55 million people, 20 percent of the U.S. population, spend
their days inside elementary and secondary schools."

One half of our nation's 115,000 schools have problems linked to indoor
air quality, according to a report by Global Green USA.

Managing IAQ in schools presents unique challenges. Unlike managing other
buildings, managing schools involves the responsibility for public funds
and child safety issues. In addition, occupants are closer together. Most
schools have approximately four times as many occupants as an office building
with the same amount of floor space. Tight budgets and the large amount
of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment, place increased
strain on school maintenance staff.

As noted by the
U.S. Green Building Council, "In some studies, there have been 11% gains in productivity from
improved ventilation and 23% gains in productivity from improved lighting
design."

According to
FE Moran, "A study showed that employees working in a healthy building saw
$400-$500,000 gains in productivity annually. By regularly maintaining
and cleaning ventilation
ducts, providing day lighting, and having natural ventilation available, studies
have shown that occupants will be more productive and have less health
issues."

Here are IAQ Tools for Improving School Performance:

Conduct a School Environmental Survey. The School Administration can improve upon energy efficiency through small
and large updates. Improvements range from adding extra insulation or
changing to a more efficient light bulb, to installing efficient mechanical
equipment or new windows. Also, these improvements will lead to significant savings!

Establish an IAQ Management Plan. Be sure to schedule regular maintenance such as lighting inspections and
air duct cleanings.

Monitor and Evaluate Progress. Maintain all records of maintenance. Schedule periodic cleanings, and
look into updates for the facility such as retro-fitting the HVAC system,
or the use of eco-friendly cleaning products!

Inform, Involve, and Celebrate! Educate building occupants and the community on what to look for and how
to help. Create a school comment box for questions, problems, and information
about the facility and train custodial staff. Don't forget to track
progress by reviewing the number of school nurse visits and worker's
compensation requests.

The IAQ of your facility is dependent upon regular maintenance and a proactive
approach to building updates and cleaning!